By Kimberly Dunbar

The more the merrier. At least, that’s what Kathleen Wanat and her colleagues believe, and it’s one of the driving principles behind Central Mass Multisport.

“We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Wanat, a seasoned runner and triathlete who is also a USA Triathlon Level I-certified coach. “We are in it because we love the lifestyle and we want to include others who are interested in participating. There are some people who might not know anyone else in the area and are interested in training ~ we wanted to bring these people together.”

The number of active Americans is growing rapidly. According to Running USA’s 2012 “State of the Sport” report, more than 50 million runners hit the pavement at least once a week in 2011 ~ a 7.3 percent increase from the previous year. A report released in 2011 by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association showed that participation in triathlons increased 55 percent in just one year. And it’s still growing.

“We offered a biking class last year, and we had such a huge response to it,” said Wanat, treasurer and co-founder of Central Mass Multisport. “There are a lot of local clubs, but for some reason or another, people haven’t joined them.”

Central Mass Multisport, based out of Central Mass Physical Therapy in West Boylston, held its first meeting in January and already has about 50 members of all athletic abilities, ranging from 16- to 75-year-olds. The club has been having monthly meetings but plans to host weekly bike rides, swims and runs for members when the weather warms up. Wanat said the group also plans to arrange outings like hiking and kayaking for those who don’t run or swim. “There will be something for everyone,” she said. “That’s why we called it multisport, because we want to encompass as many and as much as we can.”

But don’t worry if you’re new to a sport ~ one of the foundations of Central Mass Multisport is drawing upon the collective experience and knowledge of other athletes. “It can be intimidating to get into a new sport,” Wanat said. “We divide groups into speed levels, so no one is intimidated or left behind.”

Central Mass Multisport also has partnered with other local clubs like Central Mass Striders and Bicycle Alley to enhance the experience. “We want to share in activity together,” Wanat said. “It’s different exercising in a group than it is individually.”

While the club is currently looking for a race to participate in as a team, it has already sent members to a snowshoe event this winter and TRI-MANIA in March, a triathlon and symposium event in New England, in which one of the Central Mass Multisport teams placed third overall.

“We want to compete together, get better together and just enjoy each other’s company,” Wanat said. “Everyone is so friendly and positive; it’s just a great environment and a great group to be a part of. It’s a lot of fun.”

For membership information, event schedule and additional details, visit www.centralmassmultisport.com.

Photo:  From left, Kathleen Wanat; 2010 Ironman World Champion Miranda Carfare; and Colleen Sands